Saubaghya

Empowering women in Sri Lanka

This latest initiative by Unilever Sri Lanka (USL) has changed these womens’ lives in ways that are much more profound than the income they earn from selling products. It has brought them self-esteem, a sense of empowerment and a place in society.

The main objective of this programme is to empower Sri Lankan women to create micro-enterprises that provide them with a sustainable source of income through recommending and selling Unilever brands house to house in their own villages. Saubaghya entrepreneurs act as direct –to- home ambassadors of Unilever brands.

Catalysing prosperity in Sri Lankan villages

Under the project, Unilever Sri Lanka offers a range of mass-market products to the Saubaghya women, which are relevant to rural customers. Necessary training is provided to these groups on the basics of enterprise management, which the women need to manage their enterprises. For the Saubaghya women, this translates into a much-needed sustainable income, contributing towards better living and prosperity.

For most of these families, Project Saubaghya is enabling families to live with dignity, and enjoy freedom from want.

In addition to money, there is a marked change in the woman's status within the household, with a much greater say in decision-making. This results in better health and hygiene, education of the children, and an overall betterment in living standards.

Win-win partnership

The most powerful aspect about this model is that it creates a win-win partnership between Unilever Sri Lanka and our consumers, some of who depend on the organization for their livelihood, and builds a self-sustaining cycle of growth for all.

Project Saubaghya is unleashing the potential of rural Sri Lanka